Fairly OddParents Creator Addresses Mental Health Comment Controversy

Earlier this month, Fairly OddParents creator Butch Hartman revealed he was Kickstarting a new streaming service project to create original content, titled Oaxis. More recently though, the American animator has come under fire for comments he made regarding mental health.

In the video above, he states that “when I grew up if kids had a hard time they got over it.” He points to things like social media and Netflix shows – ones that tell stories about depression and suicide – as contributors to suicide, stating that anything can be changed and he hopes to bring about that change with family-friendly programming on Oaxis Entertainment.

Social media obviously did not take too kindly to the comments, stating that the Fairly OddParents creator doesn’t believe in mental health issues. Alongside this, it has come to light that Oaxis Entertainment will focus more on religious themes and Christianity, instead of the content Hartman has been known for on Nickelodeon.

Hartman took to Twitter to address the issues in a statement.

“I am humbled by the kindness and love that Hartfans and friends have show in the recent days! There are simply no words to express my thanks and gratitude. I’m sorry for any confusion that you may have felt in the last week. Thank you for your patience.

All I ever wanted to do is entertain people with programming the entire family can enjoy and, in keeping with that theme, that is what my most recent project is about there have been others who think they’ve revealed another agenda. And honestly, I value and respect my fans and friends far too much to ever consider misleading you. I would never take the privilege of your trust lightly. Oaxis Entertainment is not faith-based. However, faith is part of me. I am the same guy I’ve been for the last 20 years, I’m not perfect and certainly don’t claim to be.

I’m excited for what’s ahead moving forward with this project. Hopefully it’s something you’ll really enjoy too! We can discuss all of this, the twitter-verse, YouTube, and more in the coming days. You are the best and I’m Genuinely thankful for each and every one of you!”

Fans were not pleased with this response, with the majority stating it failed to even address the comments and issues they brought about.

We will see if these issues are still prominent when Oaxis Entertainment debuts this August.